PSYCHOLOGY 2317:
STATISTICAL METHODS IN PSYCHOLOGY
SOUTHWEST COLLEGE – WEST LOOP CAMPUS
CLASS SECTION NUMBER: CRN 28275
FALL 2012, 16-week Semester
MW 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
CLASS CREDITS: 3 Hours
LECTURE HOURS: 3 Hours
TOTAL CLASSROOM CONTACT HOURS: 48 Hours
CLASSROOM (SO FAR) West Loop Center Room 137
INSTRUCTOR: Joel K. Levy, Ph.D.
email: joel.levy@hccs.edu
OFFICE HOURS: TBA
CELL: 713-569-9948
NOTE WELL: FINAL EXAM: WEDNESDAY, 12/12 at 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
ALSO NOTE: I reserve the right to modify this syllabus if circumstances change.
COURSE DESCRIPTION: An introduction to the use of scientific methods in psychology and to the statistical analysis of
data. Attention is given to descriptive, correlation and inferential statistical methodology.
PREREQUISITE: Must be placed into college level reading (or take GUST 0342 as a co-requisite) and be placed into
college level writing (or take ENGL 0310/0319 as a co-requisite) and be placed into MATH 0312 (or higher).
COURSE GOALS: To develop knowledge and skills in the use of proper statistical methodology (both descriptive and
inferential statistics) in analyzing data collected by scientific methods in psychology.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:
1. Define and identify basic concepts in inferential and descriptive statistics.
2. Explain and apply the concepts and procedures of descriptive statistics.
3. Describe and utilize principles of probability and hypothesis testing.
4. Apply and interpret common inferential statistical tests and correlational methods.
OBJECTIVES:
Part I: The basic components of statistics.
1. To learn the basic terminology and logic of statistical analysis.
2. Master definitions and computations with the exception of the power curve and the sample size requirements.
Part II: Applications of inferential statistics to the scientific method
1. The t test will be introduced to replace the z test.
2. Compare and compute one sample, independent sample and related sample t-tests.
3. Identify, apply, compute and interpret ANOVA, correlation and regression, and Chi Square
Problems are from the 7 th edition textbook by Gravetter & Wallnau, located at the rear of each chapter; the answers are in
the rear of the book. You are expected to check your own answers and correct your own problems. No credit for copying the
answers & not showing work. Show formulas and substitutions. TO OBTAIN CREDIT. Problems are to be submitted at the
time of each exam.
PSYCHOLOGY 2317:
STATISTICAL METHODS IN PSYCHOLOGY
Levy’s PSYC 2317 Statistics Course Syllabus
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The Calendar of Events!
August 27
August 29
Introduction to Course: Syllabus; Chapter 1 Introduction to Statistics
Chapter 1: (problems 1, 15, 17, 21, 23)
September 3
September 5
Labor Day Holiday – No Class – Also, College Offices Closed
Chapter 2: Frequency Distributions (problems 3, 5. 7, 13, 19, 21)
September 10
Chapter 3: Central Tendency (problems 3, 5, 19, 21, 23) – Also, this is
“The Official Date of Record!” You all should know what this means! If one has not been marked Present in class by this
day, one will be dropped from the class by the Big Computer in the Sky, not me. Because you are here the first session, you
are safe. If there is anyone you know who is going to take the class and is not here, they have to come next time. It happened
last spring to two of my students last year that they were dropped, and it was heck to pay to try to get them reinstated. I
cannot do this again. Those on financial aid will be withdrawn first for 100% refund to the source for the aid. Others will be
withdrawn after the deadline has passed for 25% refund. One is not allowed to attend class if withdrawn and one does not
appear on the class roll. If one wants or needs to be in this class, one must go back to Registration so one may register for
Second Start, 8-week block classes, or a mini-term class.
September 12
Chapter 4: Variability (problems 5, 7, 13, 17, 19, 23)
September 17
September 19
Review for Exam #1
Exam #1, Chapters 1, 2, 3, and 4
September 24
September 26
Chapter 5: Z-Scores (problems#3, 7, 9, 21, 23, 27)
Chapter 6: Probability (problems# 1, 5, 7, 13, 15, 17, 21)
October 1
October 3
Chapter 7: Dist. of Sample Means (problems 3, 5, `13, 15, 21, 23)
Chapter 8: Hypothesis Testing (problems 1, 3, 5, 11, 15, 17, 19)
October 8
October 10
Review for Exam #2
Exam #2, Chapters 5,6,7,8
October 15
October 17
Chapter 9: Intro to the t-Statistic (problems 1, 5, 11, 15, 17, 19, 23)
Chapter 10: 2 Independent Samples t-test (problems 3, 9, 11, 15, 19, 25)
October 22
October 24
Chapter 11: 2 Related Samples t-test (problems# 1, 9, 11, 13, 17, 21)
Review for Exam #3
October 29
Exam #3 Chapters 9, 10, 11.
October 31
Chapter 12: Estimation (problems 1, 3, 5, 15, 19).
Sorry we have to have class on Halloween, but this is
a fast paced term. Can’t miss a day. I might, however, make it worth your while, Trick-or-Treat-wise.
November 2
November 5
November 7
Friday
Last Day for Administrative/ Student Withdrawals- 4:30pm
Chapter 13: Analysis of Variance (problems 3, 5, 9, 19, 21)
2 Way Analysis of Variance
November 12
November 14
Review for Exam #4
Exam #4 Variance Chapters 12 and 13
November 19
Chapter 15: Correlations and Regression
November 21 (Wednesday)
No Night Classes the night before Thanksgiving Day
November 22- 25 (Thursday – Sunday)
Offices and Classes Closed – Thanksgiving Holiday
November 26
November 28
Chapter 15: (problems #5, 7, 9, 19, 21, 23, 25)
Chapter 16: Chi Square16 (problems #3, 7, 9, 17, 19 and 21)
December 3
Review for Exam #5
December 5
Exam #5: Chapters 15 and 16
December 9 (Sunday) Classes Are, by the Official College Calendar, Scheduled to End Today
Between December 5 and December 10, Review On Your Own For Final Exam
Wednesday, December 12 Comprehensive Final Exam- 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
It’s over. Have good Holidays!
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MATERIALS:
REQUIRED TEXTBOOK: Gravetter, F.J. and Wallnau, L.B. (2011) Essentials of Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences,
7 th ed., Wadsworth ISBN: 9780495812203
STUDY GUIDE: Gravetter, F.J. (2011) Study Guide for Essentials of Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences, Wadsworth.
ISBN: 9780495903918
TEXTBOOK WEB SITE: www.thomsonedu.com/psychology/gravetter
The accompanied textbook website offers some useful information concerning the statistical concepts. It also provides
practice quiz for each chapter.
The instructor will prepare lectures, demonstrations and assign learning exercises to cover each topic listed on the schedule.
Lectures will cover much of the material on which you will be tested. Please read the assigned chapters prior to class and
complete the homework assignments. Come prepared to participate by asking questions, sharing examples, and giving your
opinions. There will be an opportunity for questions during class, and to review tests items after they are graded. The
material will reappear on the comprehensive final exam.
INSTRUCTOR REQUIREMENTS
As your Instructor, it is my responsibility to:
 Provide the grading scale and detailed grading formula explaining how student grades are to be derived
 Facilitate an effective learning environment through class activities, discussions, and lectures
 Description of any special projects or assignments
 Inform students of policies such as attendance, withdrawal, tardiness and make up
 Provide the course outline and class calendar which will include a description of any special projects or
assignments
 Arrange to meet with individual students before and after class as required
STUDENT REQUIREMENTS:
To be successful in this class, it is the student’s responsibility to:
 Attend class and participate in class discussions and activities
 Read and comprehend the textbook
 Complete the required assignments and exams:
 Ask for help when there is a question or problem
 Keep copies of all paperwork, including this syllabus, handouts and all assignments
EGLS3 Evaluation for Greater Learning Student Survey System: At Houston Community College, professors believe
that thoughtful student feedback is necessary to improve teaching and learning. During a designated and limited time at
the end of the semester, you will be asked to answer a short online survey of research-based questions related to
instruction. The anonymous results of the survey will be made available to your professors and division chairs for
continual improvement of instruction. Look for the survey as part of the Houston Community College Student System
online near the end of the term.
VERY IMPORTANT: HCC POLICY STATEMENTS:
Students With Disabilities:
Any student with a documented disability (e.g. physical, learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing, etc.) who needs to arrange
reasonable accommodations must contact the Disability Services Office at the respective college at the beginning of each
semester. Faculty members are authorized to provide only the accommodations requested by the Disability Support Services
Office. The ADA office for the Southwest College and Dr. Becky Hauri can be reached at 713-718-7910. Special
accommodations can be provided to only those students who show proper documentation.
Academic Honesty
A student who is academically dishonest is, by definition, not showing that the coursework has been learned, and that student
is claiming an advantage not available to other students. The instructor is responsible for measuring each student's individual
achievements and, also, for ensuring that all students compete on a “level playing field.” Thus, in our system, the instructor
has teaching, grading, and enforcement roles. You are expected to be familiar with the University's Policy on Academic
Honesty, found in the catalog. What that means is: If you are charged with an offense, pleading ignorance of the rules is not a
defense and will not help you. Students are responsible for conducting themselves with honor and integrity in fulfilling
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course requirements. Penalties and/or disciplinary proceedings may be initiated by College System officials against a student
accused of scholastic dishonesty. “Scholastic dishonesty”: includes, but is not limited to:
Cheating on a Test, Plagiarism, and Collusion.
Cheating on a test includes:
Copying from another students’ test paper;
Using materials not authorized by the person giving the test;
Collaborating with another student during a test without authorization;
Knowingly using, buying, selling, stealing, transporting, or soliciting in whole or part the contents of a test that has not
been administered;
Bribing another person to obtain a test that is to be administered.
Plagiarism means the appropriation of another’s work and the unacknowledged incorporation of that work in one’s own
written work offered for credit.
Collusion mean the unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing written work offered for credit.
Possible punishments for academic dishonesty may include a grade of 0 or F on the particular assignment, failure in the
course, and/or recommendation for probation or dismissal from the College System (Not worth the cheating, is it, folks, when
I can probably help you with what you need). (See the Student Handbook)
OTHER HCC POLICY STATEMENTS
Class Attendance
It is important that you come to class! Attending class regularly is the best way to succeed in this class. Research has shown
that the single most important factor in student success is attendance. Simply put, going to class greatly increases your ability
to succeed. You are expected to attend all lecture and labs regularly. You are responsible for materials covered during your
absences. Class attendance is checked daily. Although it is your responsibility to drop a course for non-attendance, the
instructor has the authority to drop you for excessive absences.
If you are not attending class, you are not learning the information. As the information that is discussed in class is
important for your career, students may be dropped from a course after accumulating absences in excess of 16% hours of
instruction. The seven or eight hours (0.16 X 48 hours) of class time would include any total classes missed or for
excessive tardiness or leaving class early. Your instructor is NOT required to notify you prior to completing the drop. If
you have missed more than 16% of the hours of instruction, you will need to check with the instructor to see if you have
been dropped.
You may decide NOT to come to class for whatever reason. I cannot make you come to class. I tend to let adults take their
lives and responsibilities into their own hands. As an adult making the decision not to attend, you do not have to notify the
instructor prior to missing a class (although I would really appreciate it if you did notify me, either prior to, or, certainly,
after the missed class. The reason for this is that the absence I input on the computer listing can be categorized as
sickness, religious holidays, family emergencies, etc. If you let me know what happened, I will classify the absence thusly,
and it can be excused.). However, if this happens too many times, you may suddenly find that you have “lost” the class.
I am told that poor attendance records tend to correlate with poor grades. If you miss any class, including the first week
(DON’T, as above), you are responsible for all material missed. It is a good idea to find a friend or a buddy in class
(“Cooperation leads to Graduation!”) who would be willing to share class notes or discussion or be able to hand in paper
if you unavoidably miss a class.
Class attendance usually equals class success
.
HCC Course Withdrawal Policy
If you feel that you cannot complete this course, you will need to withdraw from the course prior to the final date of
withdrawal (Friday, November 2). Before you withdraw from your course; please take the time to meet with me to discuss
why you feel it is necessary to do so. I may be able to provide you with suggestions that would enable you to complete the
course.
Your success is very important to me
Beginning in fall of 2007, the Texas Legislature passed a law limiting first-time entering freshmen to no more than SIX total
course withdrawals throughout their educational career in obtaining a certificate and/or degree.
To help students avoid having to drop/withdraw from any class, HCC has instituted an Early Alert process by which your
professor may “alert” you and HCC counselors that you might fail a class because of excessive absences and/or poor
academic performance. It is your responsibility to visit with your professor or a counselor to learn about what, if any, HCC
Levy’s PSYC 2317 Statistics Course Syllabus
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interventions might be available to assist you – online tutoring, child care, financial aid, job placement, etc. – to stay in class
and improve your academic performance.
Faculty and students are only allowed to withdraw students prior to the official last date for administrative/student
withdrawal (this semester, NOVEMBER 2). Students are responsible for withdrawing themselves prior to the official date by
dropping online, completing a withdrawal form on campus, sending a postmarked letter, or faxing a letter of withdrawal to
the registrar at 713-718-2111. A grade of FX (stopped attending and failed) may be assigned along with notation of the last
class date attended for students who do not withdraw but stop attending. Students may not be withdrawn for poor classroom
performance or for inappropriate behavior -only for excessive absences according to stated policy.
If you plan on withdrawing from your class, you MUST complete the process PRIOR to the withdrawal deadline to receive
a “W” on your transcript. You can drop a course by returning to the same online enrollment page that you used to originally
register for classes. From the drop-down menu, select ENROLLMENT – DROP instead of ENROLLMENT – ADD. Final
withdrawal deadlines vary each semester and/or depending on class length, please visit the online registration calendars, HCC
schedule of classes, the catalog, any HCC Registration Office, or any HCC counselor to determine class withdrawal
deadlines. If you do not withdraw before the deadline, you will receive the grade that you are making in the class as your
final grade (but that means that if you miss tests and the Final, those will be averaged in as Zeros! Don’t do this to yourself.).
Remember to allow a 24-hour response time when communicating via email and/or telephone with a professor and/or
counselor. Do not submit a request to discuss withdrawal options less than three days before the deadline.
Repeat Course Fee: The State of Texas encourages students to complete college without having to repeat failed classes. To
“encourage” student success, students who repeat the same course more than twice, are required to pay extra tuition. The
purpose of this extra tuition fee is to lean on students to pass their courses and to graduate. If you are considering course
withdrawal because you are not earning passing grades, confer with your instructor/counselor as early as possible about your
study habits, reading and writing homework, test taking skills, attendance, course participation, and opportunities for
tutoring, extra credit, or other assistance that might be available. HCC will charge a higher tuition rate to students registering
the third or subsequent time for a class.
Classroom Behavior As your instructor and as a student in this, it is our shared responsibility to develop and maintain a
positive learning environment for everyone. Your instructor takes this responsibility very seriously, and will inform members
of the class if their behavior makes it difficult for him/her to carry out this task. As a fellow learner, you are asked to respect
the learning needs of your classmates and assist your instructor achieve this critical goal. No children are permitted to sit in
during class, even if they are accompanying a parent. This is an unnecessary classroom distraction for the other students, a
safety issue for the child, and a risk management issue for the college and faculty.
Use of Camera and/or Recording Devices As a student active in the learning community of this course, it is your
responsibility to be respectful of the learning atmosphere in your classroom. To show respect of your fellow students and
instructor, you will turn off your phone (or put it on vibrate if you have dependents at home who may need to contact you in
an emergency), and other electronic devices, and will not use these devices in the classroom unless you receive permission
from the instructor. Use of recording devices, including camera phones and tape recorders, is prohibited in classrooms,
laboratories, faculty offices, and other locations where instruction, tutoring, or testing occurs. School rule, sorry. Students
with disabilities who need to use a recording device as a reasonable accommodation should contact the Office for Students
with Disabilities for information regarding reasonable accommodations.
Use of Computers in Class
If you use a computer to take notes, this instructor does not mind that, but wants to assure you that surfing the net, or
emailing during class is not permitted, and may result in your losing the privilege to use the computer for legitimate notetaking for the rest of the semester!
EVALUATION AND GRADES:
Your final grade will be calculated according to the following core competency formula:
A) The best four of five preliminary exams and your final exam will be averaged and weighted 90%. B) Daily assignments
(10%) Written and Oral Communication, Internet Skills
Final Averages will earn the following grades
A = 100- 90
4 points per semester hour
IP (In Progress) 0 points per semester hour
B = 89 - 80:
3 points per semester hour
W (Withdrawn) 0 points per semester hour
C = 79 - 70:
2 points per semester hour
I (Incomplete) 0 points per semester hour
D = 69 - 60:
1 point per semester hour
AUD (Audit)
0 points per semester hour
F = 59 and below
0 points per semester hour
FX (Failed and Stopped Coming to Class): 0
IP (In Progress) is given only in certain developmental courses. The student must re-enroll to receive credit. COM
(Completed) is given in non-credit and continuing education courses. To compute grade point average (GPA), divide the total
grade points by the total number of semester hours attempted. The grades "IP," "COM" and "I" do not affect GPA.
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I will keep a running spreadsheet of grade averages across the semester, updated after each test, and will endeavor to make
copies of it to pass out to you after every exam so that you can see how you are standing.
You may earn one bonus point per chapter by completing and submitting the practice quizzes provided on the student
companion website to the textbook. Wow, that’s a possible 16 points! Bonus points will also be available for correct
responses to daily quizzes. Students who are late will not be eligible for bonus points. Keep in mind for the end of the
semester that this instructor will award 3 extra points to students who complete the EGLS3 survey about this class, and
then print out and bring me the confirmation that you did it. The EGLS3 survey period will be over before the course is
over, so you will have time to show me your printout before I formulate the final grades. Wow! Another 3 free points.
Plan to take all exams. There can be no make-up exams provided, with the exception of very drastic circumstances or
emergencies, which I will rule on. This semester moves too fast to try to catch up with a missed exam.
Remember, one missed exam score will be dropped. Please make this the lowest of the scores of the exams you took, not
the one you missed.
NOTE WELL AGAIN: The final exam grade cannot and will not be dropped.
Exams will be open-note and you may refer to your homework assignments during the exam. Assignments will be collected
for the chapters following each exam. You may not use the interior of the textbook, the actual chapter content, but you
may refer to the statistical tables in the rear of the book, the formulas listed on the inside of the book cover, and any
personal notes/homework solutions you prepare. Photocopies of textbook interior material, other than tables, may not be
used during any examination.
TESTING PROCESS: The tests will consist of multiple-choice items. Most will be selected from the text, but a few may
come from class activities, and lecture. The comprehensive Final Exam will also be multiple-choice questions. You will also
need to purchase and bring your own Scantrons® and several good, sharpened No. 2 pencils, or a mechanical pencil with HB
leads to class for every exam. Bring a good eraser to the exam and erase changes completely. The white rectangular
ones work the best. No grades will be changed due to poor erasures after your exam is graded and returned. Please be
careful.
Please take care of all personal needs prior to the beginning of an examination. No one will be allowed to leave the room
after beginning an exam without submitting their answers as complete. Anyone arriving more than 15 minutes late for any
examination will be considered absent and will have missed the examination. I am also sorry that I cannot let you hang
over after the class is officially over to finish when we have a test (which will usually be at the end of the session) because
I have another class starting at 8:30.
NOTES:
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ADDENDUM
FALL 2012- TRADITIONAL 16 - WEEK SESSION: ACADEMIC CALENDAR FOR THE WHOLE COLLEGE
May 7
August 18
August 24
August 25
August 26
Monday
Saturday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
August 27
August 27- September 12
September 3
September 10
September 13- 18
October 15
Monday
November 2
November 21
November 22- 25
December 9
December 10-16
December 16
December 17
December 21
December 19- January 1
Friday
Wednesday
Thursday- Sunday
Sunday
Monday- Sunday
Sunday
Monday
Friday
Monday
Monday
Monday
Registration Begins
Saturday Registration ( 9am-1 pm)
Last Day for 100 % Refund
Saturday Registration (9am -1pm)
Last Day for Drop/Add/Swap/
Registration Ends (online only)
Classes Begin
70% Refund Possible for Withdrawal
Offices Closed -Labor Day Holiday
Official Date of Record
25% Refund Possible for Withdrawal
Priority Deadline for
Fall Completion of Degrees or Certificates
Last Day for Administrative/ Student Withdrawals- 4:30pm
No Night Classes before Thanksgiving
Offices Closed- Thanksgiving Holiday
Instruction Ends
Final Examinations
Semester Ends
Grades Due by- 12:00 Noon
Grades Available to Students
Offices Closed- Christmas Break
FINAL EXAM SCHEDULE FOR THE WHOLE COLLEGE FOR ALL CLASSES
Final exams for students will be given on the meeting date and time below.
Monday, December 10
For classes which start between:
7:00 a.m. — 7:30 a.m: 7:00 a.m.
9:00 a.m. — 9:30 a.m.: 9:00 a.m.
11:00 a.m. — 11:30 a.m.: 11:00 a.m.
1:00 p.m. — 1:30 p.m.: 1:00 p.m.
3:00 p.m. — 3:30 p.m.: 3:00 p.m.
5:00 p.m. — 5:30 p.m.: 5:30 p.m.
8:00 p.m. — 8:30 p.m.: 8:00 p.m. This is Levy’s Intro to Psychology Class’s Final Time
Tuesday, December 11
For classes which start between:
7:00 a.m. — 7:30 a.m.: 7:00 a.m.
9:00 a.m. — 9:30 a.m.: 9:00 a.m.
11:00 a.m. — 11:30 a.m.: 11:00 a.m.
1:00 p.m. — 1:30 p.m.: 1:00 p.m.
3:00 p.m. — 3:30 p.m.: 3:00 p.m.
5:00 p.m. — 5:30 p.m.: 5:30 p.m.
8:00 p.m. — 8:30 p.m.: 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday, December 12
For classes which start between :
8:00 a.m. — 8:30 a.m.: 8:00 a.m.
10:00 a.m. — 10:30 a.m.: 10:00 a.m.
12:00 pm. — 12:30 p.m.: 12:00 p.m.
2:00 p.m. — 2:30 p.m.: 2:00 p.m.
4:00 p.m. — 4:30 p.m.: 4:00 p.m.
6:00 p.m. — 6:30 p.m.: 6:30 p.m.
7:00 p.m. — 7:30 p.m.: 7:30 p.m. This is Levy’s Statistics Class’s Final Time
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Thursday, December 13
For classes which start between:
8:00 a.m. — 8:30 a.m.: 8:00 a.m.
10:00 a.m. — 10:30 a.m.: 10:00 a.m.
12:00p.m. — 12:30 p.m.: 12:00 p.m.
2:00 p.m. — 2:30 p.m.: 2:00 p.m.
4:00 p.m. — 4:30 p.m.: 4:00 p.m.
6:00 p.m. — 6:30 p.m.: 6:30 p.m.
7:00 p.m. — 7:30 p.m.: 7:30 p.m.
Classes which meet only once per week (Dec. 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16) will take exams at the regular class this includes
weekend classes. Exam Schedules for Distance Education go to: http://de.hccs.edu
For the first and second eight week sessions, final exams will be given during the final week of
class.
Monday, December 17
Class Grades Due In to the Department by- 12:00 Noon (but I will probably have
them in by Friday, December 14, but don’t call or email me to get them early)
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